.. The more one questioned the more he was commended. (See Deut.
xiii. 15; A.V., ver. 14.)
Ibid., fol. 40, col. 1.
In connection with the foregoing subject, let us string together some of
the gems of forensic wisdom to be met with in the Talmud. A score or so
of bona fide quotations, respecting judges, criminals and criminal
punishment, and witnesses, will serve to illustrate this part of our
subject.
JUDGES.
The judge, says the Scripture, who for but one hour administers justice
according to true equity, is a partner, as it were, with God in His work
of creation.
_Shabbath_, fol. 10, col. 1.
Despicable is the judge who judges for reward; yet his judgment is law,
and must, as such, be respected.
_Kethuboth_, fol. 105, col. 1.
The judge who accepts a bribe, however perfectly righteous otherwise,
will not leave this world with sane mind.
Ibid., fol. 105, col. 2.
A judge will establish the land if, like a king, he want nothing; but he
will ruin it if, like a priest, he receive gifts from the
threshing-floor.
Ibid.
Once when Shemuel was crossing a river in a ferryboat, a man lent a
sustaining hand to prevent him from falling. "What," said the Rabbi,
"have I done for thee, that thou art so attentive with thy services?"
The man replied, "I have a lawsuit before thee.
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